The new variants have been highly anticipated for Tesla enthusiasts who have held off on purchasing a Model 3. Prospective Model 3 buyers have been limited to one configuration, a long-range version with rear-wheel drive, that starts at $US49,000.

Musk announced the company would allow orders for the new variants earlier in May, and would start production in July. He added that certain features, such as an air suspension, would not come until 2019.

Tesla added it was looking at producing 5,000 Model 3s per week by late June, meeting its goal that was originally set for the end of 2017.

The Model 3, which starts at $US35,000, is Tesla’s first mass-market vehicle and was designed to broaden the company’s customer base beyond the luxury segment. The vehicle has generally received positive reviews, but some have criticised its build quality.